NSW greyhound racing industry to be shut down from 2017

NSW will become the first state to shut down greyhound racing in response to “widespread illegal and unconscionable activity, including the slaughtering of tens of thousands of dogs” Mike Baird has announced.

The report also found that “up to 20 per cent of trainers engage in live baiting and 180 greyhounds a year sustain catastrophic injuries during races, such as skull fractures and broken backs that resulted in their immediate deaths”.

“He has shone a light on an industry that has overseen the slaughter of tens of thousands of healthy dogs whose only crime was they weren’t fast enough.

“He’s also shown an industry that has turned a blind eye to the barbaric practice of live-baiting. “The industry has a culture of deception. Indeed the Commissioner has found that it is no longer entitled to the trust of the community.

“This is the inevitable conclusion to be drawn from the appalling revelations in Mr McHugh’s report and his considered view that any other measures are unlikely to protect animals from further cruelty.”

Thousands of dogs that were deemed “uncompetitive” were also killed. Picture: ABCSource:Supplied

Mr Baird said the government will announce a “detailed industry shutdown plan” during the second half of 2016 “following consultation with stakeholders in industry and animal welfare organisations”.

The plan is likely to include a strategy for rehoming existing racing dogs, an “adjustment package” for those working in the industry and the shut down of Greyhound Racing NSW.

“I feel much empathy for innocent trainers and those who will lose their job or hobby as a result of this,” he posted.

“And I understand the disappointment of people who enjoy having a punt on the dogs. But we simply cannot and will not standby and allow the widespread and systemic mistreatment of animals.”

In response, one poster replied: “I’ve always wanted to see Wentworth park sold off so we can have more units in the area! Great location! Your mates will make a fortune.”

The premier responded almost immediately, ruling out any such developments.

“We will be ensuring these spaces are used for the community — whether it is open space, sporting facilities or other community use. They will not used or sold off for high rise or other residential development. We will be engaging extensively with the community on this. Thanks for raising it. Cheers, Mike.”

Deputy Premier Troy Grant described the publication of the report as a “bloody awful day” and said Greyhound NSW actively chose to ignore the issue of live baiting.

Greyhound Racing New South Wales media general manager Michael East admitted the Baird government had kept them in the dark about the report’s findings.

“We were aware the report had been handed down and that it was always an option but we had not been told it was going to happen,” he said.

“I just found out then. I need to talk to our CEO before saying anything.”

Making a killing0:20

Australians love their sport. Australians also love a punt. Right now, Australians love betting on greyhound racing, the sport based on pushing dogs to their limits. Courtesy ABC/Four Corners.

February 16th 2015

4 years ago

/display/newscorpaustralia.com/Web/NewsNetwork/Network News/National/

A lucrative industry

Federal Nationals MP for Riverina Michael McCormack also came out against the move.

“For some it is just a hobby — a bit of fun. For others it is more serious — a secondary income to help pay a few bills. What greyhound racing has done on a larger scale though is tap into the lucrative NSW TAB pool, helping regional clubs to continue racing and providing prizemoney to keep owners and trainers chasing the stakes events and major races. All that ended today,” he said.

* About 17,500 greyhound pups are born in Australia each year, with NSW having the biggest number — 8000 in 2014

* 7000 of the 17,500 pups born (40 per cent) will never race

* Only 600 greyhounds are “rehomed” annually under Greyhounds As Pets programs* Confidential April 2015 Greyhounds Australasia report says the industry is “responsible for the unnecessary deaths of anywhere between 13,000 and 17,000 healthy greyhounds a year”

* 74 per cent to 96 per cent of greyhounds are put down before the age of 42 months

* The RSPCA has a euthanasia rate of 15.9 per cent

* Australia has 3800 active greyhound breeders.

TIMELINE OF A SCANDAL:

* February 16 2015: Four Corners reveals the use of live piglets, possums and rabbits to train greyhounds across three states.

* Early 2015: Following the report there is wide condemnation of trainers.

* May 6 2015: Honourable Michael McHugh AC QC appointed to head up an inquiry into the NSW greyhound industry.

* June 2 2015: Queensland abolishes all racing boards in response to the growing scandal.